Motion Graphs
Part of the Mechanics section of Coddy's Physics journey. Lesson 26 of 94.
On a v-t graph the slope is the acceleration and the area under the line is the displacement.
Slope of the v-t line = acceleration; area under it = displacement.
Under a straight sloped line the area is the average velocity times the time:
Δx = (v0 + v)/2 · t
Area below the time axis counts as negative displacement.
Challenge
A cyclist's v-t graph is a straight line from 2 m/s at t = 0 to v at t = 6 s. In that time she covers 48 m. Find her final velocity v.
Try it yourself
Test yourselfThis lesson includes a short quiz. Start the lesson to answer it and track your progress.
All lessons in Mechanics
1Vectors and Newton's Laws
Right TrianglesWhat is a Vector?Adding VectorsAxes and DirectionsVector ComponentsForces Around UsFriction and TensionNewton's First LawNewton's Second LawNewton's Third LawRecap - Net Force4Kinematics in 1D
Position and DisplacementVelocityAccelerationMotion GraphsEquations of MotionRecap - Braking Car2Friction
What is Friction?Static FrictionKinetic FrictionFriction and Newton's LawsRecap - Sliding Crate3Inclined Planes
Forces on an InclineGravity ComponentsFrictionless InclineIncline with FrictionWill It Slide?Recap - Ramp Challenge6Projectile Motion
Independent AxesHorizontal LaunchLaunch at an AngleRange and Max HeightRecap - Hit the Target9Work and Energy
WorkKinetic EnergyWork-Energy TheoremGravitational PEConservation of EnergyPowerRecap - Roller Coaster12Impulse and Momentum
MomentumImpulseConservation of MomentumElastic CollisionsInelastic CollisionsRecap - Air Track15Simple Harmonic Motion
What is SHM?Mass on a SpringThe PendulumSHM GraphsEnergy in SHMRecap - Oscillator